Facial Implants

In a world with so many different types of people, it is impossible to objectively determine the “perfect face” because beauty is easy to notice but hard to define. Around 300 B.C., the Greek mathematician Euclid identified the “Golden Proportion,” as the ideal face. His definition was based on the formula of the face being two-thirds as wide as it is tall, with a nose no longer than the distance between the eyes. During the European Renaissance, renowned artists used the same equation to create their masterpieces when painting human faces and years later, scientists adopted this mathematical formula to help explain why some people are considered beautiful and some are not.

There is no doubt that we live our lives based on our physical appearance, which affects how we see ourselves and how others see us as well. Having distinguished facial features, defined contours, and natural angles that are proportionate create structural harmony and since few of us are born with the facial attributes we hope for, today more people are turning to plastic surgery. According to new statistics from the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), the overall number of cosmetic procedures has increased over 162 percent since the collection of the statistic data first began. Helping you achieve improved facial features is the ultimate goal of facial plastic surgery procedures and at Shine Cosmetic Surgery; Dr. Daniel H. Lin M.D. understands that one of the most important aspects of your appearance is your facial profile.

A harmonious balance creates the aesthetics of your face and the appearance of your face is determined by three basic components that include your skin, your soft tissues, and your underlying facial bones. When your face is disproportionate, it significantly affects your overall self-image and facial implants can change the characteristics that are making you unhappy. Facial implants are designed to define your face by increasing projection and creating more distinct features through enhancement or augmentation of the physical structures that make up your face. Facial implant surgery is completed through the insertion of specially formed solid, biocompatible materials and the precise type and size of facial implants best suited for you will be determined during your consultation with Dr. Lin. At your initial meeting, he will thoroughly examine the features you wish to change and evaluate your expectations and goals.

Facial implants are designed for reconstructive or rejuvenative purposes. Available in a wide variety of sizes and styles, facial implants will benefit you if you are bothered by a weak jaw, small chin, thin lips, or lack of facial contour. While any area of your face can be augmented with implants, the chin, cheeks, jaw, and lips are the most common sites.

Chin Implants
Chin implants can increase the size and projection of your chin if it is not in proportion with your forehead and mid-face. A recessed chin has also been described as one that seems to disappear into the neck rather than appearing as a distinct facial feature. A chin implant can correct a weak chin and make it more proportional to the rest of your face. Chin implants involve inserting the implant into a pocket in front of your jawbone and the incision is made either along the lower lip inside your mouth or just below your chin area. Inserting a chin implant can takes approximately one hour and after your surgery, your chin will be swollen, firm and possibly bruised. Using cold compresses will significantly lessen the swelling as will keeping your upper body elevated when resting.

Correction of a Double Chin (submental lipectomy) treats excess skin, fat or muscle beneath your chin. During this procedure, Dr. Lin will make a small incision underneath your chin through which liposuction will remove fat in this area. The muscles that cause bands can also be cut or sutured together and correction of a double chin is often performed along with a standard neck lift or cheek lift. A chin implant may also be recommended to compliment the overall basic shape and balance of your face during this corrective procedure.

Cheek Implants
Cheek implants increase the projection of your cheekbones and add volume to areas that need to be recessed. For cheek implants, Dr. Lin will make an incision inside your mouth or along your lower eyelid into which the cheek implant is inserted. Cheek implants have numerous advantages over other methods of restoring midface volume because fillers dissolve and sag over time. Cheek implants are fixed to your cheekbones with micro screws so they will always remain in place and never droop. If another cosmetic procedure is being performed at the same time as your cheek implant, such as a facelift or eyelid surgery, the implants will be inserted through those incisions. Cheek implants are used to create a more dramatic appearance to your face, giving more pronounced contour to your cheeks, and the surgery will take approximately one hour. When considering the available options for midface rejuvenation, nothing rivals the versatility of cheek implants.

Jaw Implants
Jaw implants increase the width of the lower third of your face and is popular because much like the chin, a weak jaw can be thought of as one that is not well defined and distinct from the neck. Jaw implants are incorporated through incisions made inside your mouth on either side of your lower lip where the implant is inserted. Jaw implant surgery takes approximately 1-2 hours.

Lip Implants
Lip Implants will add fullness to thin lips. Full lips are often associated with youthfulness and sensuality and as women age, their lips thin. Lip implants are generally performed on an outpatient basis using local anesthesia. Dr. Lin will make small incisions in the corners of your lips to insert the implant or graft and the implant will then be held in place with sutures.

The procedure for all facial implants follows a similar pattern and the results are visible almost immediately. Initial swelling will subside over the first week with the use of cold compresses and continue to dispel for the following 2-4 weeks. Swelling from facial implants should go away completely in 1-2 months as your final results appear. The best way to ensure a positive outcome is through follow-up consultations with Dr. Lin at Shine Cosmetic Surgery.

In summary, the different steps for your facial implant surgery are:

Step 1 — Anesthesia: Medications are administered for your comfort during the surgical procedure and the choices include IV sedation and general anesthesia. The best choice for your treatment will be decided during your pre-operative consultation.

Step 2 — The incision: For a chin implant, the incision may be inside your mouth, along the crease that joins your lower lip and gums, or just underneath your chin. The specific area to be augmented in your cheek will determine where an implant will be positioned on your cheekbone. Cheek implants are commonly placed through incisions in your mouth. Jaw implants are generally placed through the mouth with incisions inside your mouth, further back along your jawline, or at the crease where the inside of your cheek and gums meet.

Step 3 — Closing the incisions: Your incisions will be closed with absorbable sutures or stitches that will be removed within 1-2 weeks following your surgery.

Step 4 — Enjoy your results: While the initial outcome of plastic surgery with facial implants is noticeable almost immediately, it may take several months for the swelling to dissipate.

In the past, cosmetic surgeons concentrated on making patients look tighter instead of naturally younger. Contemporary cosmetic surgeons however appreciate the importance of volume in facial aging and they utilize implants to restore fullness. If symmetry among facial features is your goal, it is important to remember that everyone’s face to some degree is asymmetric and your results may not produce complete symmetry. Dr. Lin’s commitment is to make your face beautiful by creating balance and proportion and to do this; your procedure may be performed alone or in combination with other facial contouring procedures.

The success and safety of your facial implant depends on being completely open and honest during your consultation with Dr. Lin. For this reason, he will ask you numerous questions about your health and lifestyle and he will encourage you to voice any and all concerns at that time. As with any cosmetic procedure, the decision to have facial implant surgery is personal and you will have to decide if the benefits of facial implants will achieve your expectations. Dr. Lin will also explain any risks associated with facial surgery, the details of the procedure, and what to expect during your recovery so you will fully understand the cosmetic surgery you are about to undertake. If you are ready to look in the mirror and see a more proportionate, attractive face, we encourage you to learn more about Facial Implants by contacting Shine Cosmetic Surgery today.